The rumors started circulating on campus the following week.
No one knew who started it, but the whispers claimed that I had gone off the deep end after Tyler dumped me, spending every night at clubs hunting for men. They added that I was too boring in bed, which was why Tyler threw me away. The talk grew progressively nastier. Eventually, people claimed I was sleeping around with multiple guys and sleeping with teaching assistants for grades.
Walking across campus felt like every pair of eyes was on me. People whispered as I passed, and more than a few pointed my way.
Tanya looked ready to go off on anyone who stared, but I stopped her.
"The truth doesn't need defending," I said quietly. "If we keep trying to explain ourselves, it'll only make us look guilty."
Despite my words, the w
